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Chris Lachance likes to use a popular quote about Wayne Gretzky when talking about his business plans.

“They always said that he was successful because he knew where the puck was going, not where it was,” says the founder of Century Hospitality Group. “The problem is that I can’t even begin to see where things are going when we get to the other side.”

Restaurant industry, like most, grappling with what post-COVID-19 looks likeBack to video

The other side, of course, is the post-pandemic age, a time we’re all fervidly speculating about but can’t agree on absent information we’re not yet privy to. Especially in the hospitality industry, where Lachance’s fortunes are tied. With seven now shuttered Edmonton establishments, including Lux Steakhouse, Rebel Food and Drink, and MKT, Lachance is flailing about trying to grasp onto something secure.

So is everyone else, for that matter. No amount of takeout or curbside pickup will keep many of our more beloved institutions afloat, at least not in the long run. The figures are daunting, with a just released report detailing 95,000 jobs lost in Alberta and 800,000 nationwide. Nearly one out of 10 restaurants have thrown in the towel completely, and more are waiting to see what April brings before deciding whether to shutter permanently.

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The problem as most restaurateurs see it is that while the government has been quick to jump to the rescue of some industries, hospitality has been mostly ignored.

“I feel for the airline industry, I really do, but where’s the voice for our industry,” Lachance said. “We’re varied; what resonates for Jeff Fuller of Joey and Earls isn’t what resonates for the little indie guy with 10 employees.”

What seems to be resonating at the moment is SaveHospitalityCa, which functions as both a manifesto and a call to arms. Started by Andrew Oliver of Oliver & Bonacini, and John Sinopoli and Eric Joyal of Ascari Group, it’s an attempt at wrangling those varied voices into a cohesive industry message. So far more than 1,000 restaurants nationwide have signed on, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Locally, a group calling itself the Edmonton Independent Hospitality Community (including such businesses as The Common, Little Brick, Blue Plate Diner, and Sabor among many) has popped up on Twitter offering possible solutions.

With Restaurants Canada noting that food service represents four per cent of the national GDP, and sales down nearly $20 billion, there’s a lot at stake. SaveHospitalityCa is suggesting a few things to cushion this punishing blow, including a rent freeze and forgivable loan program. Other options aren’t really workable if restaurants and pubs are to survive into the summer; many staggered by the pandemic will still go under, but there may be a chance to save others.

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“A rent freeze would be nice about now,” says a weary Wayne Jones, owner of the Rocky Mountain Icehouse and Cask & Barrel, two popular Jasper Avenue spots for food, drinks, and live music. “We have a great relationship with our landlord, but the offer we got wasn’t great. We were told we could take the next three months off from paying rent, but then we had to add that money on to the next six months. Really, all that’s doing is prolonging my bankruptcy.”

There’s no perfect scenario for Jones, who readily acknowledges that everyone, not just restaurants, are feeling the effects of the shutdown right now.

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“If we could freeze rent for three or four or six months, not just us but everyone who has someone above them gathering rent, then we’d have some breathing room. Once you take away rent and staff costs, then we could manage until the next step is taken.”

It isn’t just about economics, as any of the above people will tell you. It’s also about community. Patrick Saurette of The Marc (and past board chair at Restaurants Canada) laments the shock seen on his employees’ faces when he told them of the layoff, and points out the importance of hospitality work, especially among younger people gaining experience in the field. He regrets the way in which the current lockdown has disrupted the community that forms around restaurants like his. One thing he doesn’t regret is taking the pandemic seriously and not trying to weasel his way out of social responsibilities.

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“I feel as though we all did the right thing,” he said. “It hurts to lay off family, but it was necessary to do it.”

Saurette, who is looking at reopening The Marc for takeout, isn’t shy about the potential devastation down the road, but he also sees what might be a glimmer of hope if things can be worked out.

“I have faith in that we’re creative and adaptable people,” he said. “Lately I’ve been thinking about how we fit in the community. Look at Ritchie, where there’s a gathering of breweries, restaurants, and suppliers, all in one area. That’s what I want to see more of, communities that grow and thrive organically, not curated by someone from Mississauga.”

During a time when all Canadians are being asked to stay at home, many businesses have remained open to provide essential services. The Edmonton Journal is compiling a directory of businesses in Edmonton Metropolitan Region that are continuing to serve their communities. Check out the list here.

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